Ensure you have the correct licenses and permits in place to operate.

Below is information about licenses and permits you may need to legally operate your business. If you have any questions, please contact us or reach out to TDA’s Hemp Program Coordinator for more information or guidance.

Tennessee Dept of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Program

TDA Consumer and Industry Services Division
PO Box 111359
Nashville, TN 37222-1359
(615) 837-5137 or industrial.hemp@tn.gov

Hemp Program Coordinator

Denise M. Woods
(615) 837-5326 or Denise.M.Woods@tn.gov

State & Federal Regulation Resources

Hemp Processors / Food Manufacturing Permit

If you are processing hemp for a product for human consumption, you are required to be licensed as a food manufacturing facility. You can get more info and obtain a Food Manufacturing Permit on the TDA website. If you are not processing hemp for a product for human consumption, you are not required to be licensed or registered with TDA for processing hemp.

Plant Dealer License

If you are buying and re-selling seedlings or clones, you will need a Plant Dealer License. The License is required for each location where you are selling, offering for sale, distributing, or holding the plants for distribution on a commercial basis. Visit the linked page for further information and to apply via online form or by mail.

TN Seed Sellers License

All seed sales, including hemp, are regulated in Tennessee. Seed sellers are required to obtain a TN Seed Sellers License, and they can be directly requested from TDA. To be authorized to manufacture, distribute or label, contact Cissy Neely at (615) 837-5406 or cissy.neely@tn.gov.